There are several red flags you can watch for to identify an energy scam.

Scammers often use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency, like claiming your electricity or other services will be disconnected if a payment isn’t made immediately.

Additionally, scammers may ask for unusual payment methods such as gift cards or cryptocurrency. If someone is pushing for an unusual payment method, it’s likely a scam.

You’ve probably noticed that many digital scams, like emails or text messages, include poor grammar, spelling errors and odd email addresses. These are red flags, so when you see these dodgy forms of communication, consider it a potential scam.

Farmers Electric Cooperative will never demand an instant, immediate payment and threaten to disconnect your service without prior notices or warnings. We strive to resolve challenging situations and work with our members to avoid disconnects.

We will never ask for your Social Security number or banking details over the phone or through email. We offer several secure payment options, including in-person, online through SmartHub, phone, or automatic payment options.

If you're ever in doubt about a potential energy scam, just give us a quick call to verify. We want to protect you and our community against utility frauds, and by notifying us about potential scams, you can create the first line of defense and prevent others from falling victim.